Origin

Ossau-Iraty is produced in south-western France, in the Northern Basque Country

Northern Basque Country

The French Basque Country or Northern Basque Country situated within the western part of the French department of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques constitutes the north-eastern part of the Basque Country....

 and in Béarn

Béarn

Béarn is one of the traditional provinces of France, located in the Pyrenees mountains and in the plain at their feet, in southwest France. Along with the three Basque provinces of Soule, Lower Navarre, and Labourd, the principality of Bidache, as well as small parts of Gascony, it forms in the...

. Its name reflects its geographical location, the Ossau Valley

Ossau Valley

The Ossau Valley is a valley of the French Pyrénées, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département.- Administration :...

 in Béarn and the Iraty Valley in the Northern Basque Country.

AOC status

It has been recognized as an appellation d'origine contrôlée

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée

Appellation d’origine contrôlée , which translates as "controlled designation of origin", is the French certification granted to certain French geographical indications for wines, cheeses, butters, and other agricultural products, all under the auspices of the government bureau Institut National...

 (AOC) product since 1980. It is one of only two sheep's milk cheeses granted AOC status in France. (The other is Roquefort). Although Ossau-Iraty received AOC status in the 80s, it is of ancient origin, traditionally made by the shepherds in the region.

Production

Production techniques are very much in the essence of old world methods whereby the sheep still graze mountain pastures. This is an uncooked cheese made through pressing. According to AOC regulations, this cheese must be made with raw, unpasteurized milk.

• 3,067 tonnes (in 2003)
• 60 producers (in 2003)
• 8 manufacturers: private industries and cooperatives (in 1998)
• 2,045 milk producers (in 1998)

Description

Ossau-Iraty is rather medium-soft, light in color and has very complex yet delicately smooth flavors. This cheese tastes slightly akin to cow's cheeses of similar texture such as alps cheese. Ossau-Iraty is complex and includes an edible slightly white-moldy tart rind which adds considerably to the experience. This is a creamy, not bitter, not overly sweet, perhaps slightly nutty cheese with a gentleness and ability to please. It finishes richly and smoothly.